MOT Risk Index.co.uk

Does the Mercedes-Benz 190 fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?

The Mercedes-Benz 190 records 21.89 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 19.20 expected for a car of the same age mix: more than expected for its class and age (+2.69, 95% interval +1.90 to +3.49). It ranks 173 of 701 models on suspension (1 = most failures above expected).

Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on suspension · check a Mercedes-Benz 190 by registration

What exactly fails on suspension?

The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Mercedes-Benz 190 is “The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired”, recorded 1,040 times in 2019–2024.

Mercedes-Benz 190: most frequent suspension defect wordings, 2019–2024 (30+ items each)
DVSA defect wordingItemsPer 100 tests
The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired1,0407.73
A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated5804.31
A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened3532.62
A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc3022.25
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn2782.07

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 13,451 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

If a Mercedes-Benz 190 gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?

17.9% of Mercedes-Benz 190 MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12 months and 994 miles later (1,967 advisories followed).

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 1,967 (advisories followed) · Method: the same vehicles followed to their next ordinary MOT · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Other pages for this model

Mercedes-Benz 190 in the Netherlands · Mercedes-Benz 190 by postcode area · Mercedes-Benz 190 body, chassis and structure failures · Mercedes-Benz 190 brakes failures · Mercedes-Benz 190 vehicle identification failures · Mercedes-Benz 190 lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Mercedes-Benz 190 noise, emissions and leaks failures · Mercedes-Benz 190 road wheels failures · Mercedes-Benz 190 seat belts and airbags failures · Mercedes-Benz 190 steering failures · Mercedes-Benz 190 tyres failures · Mercedes-Benz 190 visibility failures